Chapter 30: The Memory That Burned

The early morning mist slithered through the stone paths of Carl's hidden mountain estate like phantom fingers, wrapping the ancient stronghold in a veil of secrecy. Protected by enchantments older than memory, it was a place no outsider could find. Not unless Carl wanted them to.

Maika stepped out of the sleek black car, her long coat fluttering behind her like wings of wrath. Her crimson eyes locked onto Carl's silhouette at the gate. He stood still, arms crossed, the weight of unspoken truths clinging to his frame.

"Is he here?" Her voice was sharp, commanding.

Carl gave a slow nod. "Inside. But Maika… this isn't without risk."

She didn't flinch. "I'm not afraid of the truth anymore."

She brushed past him, her heels clicking against the stone, her scent leaving a trail of magic and finality. Each step shattered the silence between them like glass underfoot.

He watched her walk away, throat tightening. She had no idea how much her strength broke him. She had no idea how close he was to breaking again.

Inside the manor, the lab crackled with otherworldly energy. Silver runes glowed along the walls. Bottles of herbs and bloodroot lined the shelves. And in the middle of it all stood him.

Cane.

Tall. Calm. Lycan.

With his sleeves rolled up and his lab coat stained by time and forbidden ingredients, he looked every bit the infamous Lycan scientist whose name whispered through the darkest Council halls.

He didn't look up. Not at first. "Well, well…" he drawled, fingers dancing across a glowing tablet. "Princess Maika. Or should I say... Aster?"

Maika's eyes narrowed like twin blades. "You know what I am?"

Cane chuckled without humor. "Oh, sister. I know exactly what you are."

Her gaze flicked to Carl. "You didn't tell her?"

Carl didn't answer. Couldn't.

"I came for answers," she snapped. "I want my memories. All of them."

Cane turned, eyes gleaming. "Memories don't always return like gentle whispers, Princess. Sometimes they crash like a storm. Are you ready for that?"

Her chin lifted. "Yes."

Carl stepped closer, jaw clenched. "No harm comes to her. Swear it, Cane."

The scientist rolled his eyes. "Still so protective, big brother. Relax."

He gestured to a glowing crystal chair veined with pulsing runes. "Sit."

Maika obeyed, the air around her buzzing with static. As soon as her body touched the seat, the runes flared to life. Cane placed a silver circlet on her head, carved with forbidden glyphs.

"This will awaken what sleeps in you," he murmured. "But be warned—your mind might twist the truth. Or worse... reveal it."

A chant fell from his lips, ancient and guttural. The air trembled. Shadows curled along the walls. And then—Maika's breath hitched.

The world shattered.

---

FLASHBACK

She was running.

Branches slashed her arms. Blood trickled down her face. The scent of smoke filled her lungs.

Behind her—howls.

In her arms—a bundle. Warm. Crying.

A baby.

Her baby.

"Don't stop!" a voice shouted from behind—a woman's voice, fierce and familiar.

Flames clawed at the trees. The forest burned like hell itself had been unleashed.

She stumbled into a moonlit clearing.

And there—she was.

The woman.

Eyes like hers. Power humming off her skin.

"Take him!" the woman gasped, thrusting the baby into her arms. "Protect him. Run. Now!"

"I—I can't—"

"Promise me!"

Tears streaked Maika's face. "I promise!"

The woman turned, facing the shadows with nothing but fury and a dying spark of magic.

A dark figure stepped into the light.

A werewolf. Black eyes. Malice pouring off him in waves.

"Where is the child?" he hissed. "Give him to me—or perish."

Maika screamed—

---

Present Day

Her body jolted violently in the lab chair.

"Maika!" Carl was at her side instantly, gripping her hand tight. "Stay with me!"

Her eyes flew open.

Red and silver.

A storm.

She gasped. Then—tears.

"It's true," she whispered, voice trembling. "I had a child. I was human… I was human once."

She pressed her hand to her chest as if trying to stop her heart from shattering.

Carl's expression broke. "Maika…"

She looked up at him, pain pouring from her eyes. "You knew. Both of you knew."

Guilt crashed into Carl like a tidal wave. He couldn't speak. Couldn't defend himself.

Cane, unbothered, jotted notes like he was watching an experiment unfold.

Maika stood slowly, her voice raw. "I need to see him. I need to see my son."

Carl turned, silent.

Her voice a knife wrapped in silk. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Carl's brows pulled together. "Tell you what?"

Maika's fists clenched. "That you knew me before. Before I ever drank blood. Before the Vampires. Before magic."

Silence crashed over them.

Carl exhaled, voice heavy. "So… you remember."

"Not everything," she whispered. "But enough."

Her eyes burned with betrayal.

She took another breath. "Who was the woman I left my child with? Who was she?"

Carl's jaw tightened. "Its Genie, I can help you find her."

Maika gave a hollow laugh, bitter and broken. "You've helped enough. Now I need to breathe without drowning in your secrets."

She stepped past him—but not without brushing his hand. Just barely.

His fingers twitched, aching to hold her. To pull her back.

But he didn't.

He couldn't.

"I never wanted it to come to this," Carl whispered.

"I know," she said softly, tears silently falling.

But she didn't look back.

And this time… Carl knew she might never return.